Collapsible tension-winder or reel for strip material



7 shets-sheet 1 April 8, 1952 T. sENDzlMlR coLLAPsIBLE TENSION-WINDER 0R REEL RoR STRIP MATERIAL Filed Jan. 5o, 195o y "I4 @m vm. m .6mm Nw bw ww w NN swdmm QN si n.:

INVENTR Aff/away@ :1 m: um W Qms@ mmm/@mm n mm n amm Y mm mm mm ma .N @P im Sm ---HHunmwuhmmvHnwmnRm mw RGR QL R T. SENDZlMlR April 8, 1952 COLLAPSIBLE TENSION-WINDER OR REEL FOR STRIP MATERIAL Filed Jan. 30, 1950 '7 Sheets-Sheet 2 April 8, 1952 T. sENDzlMlR COLLAPSIBLE TENSION-WINDER OR REEL. FOR STRIP MATERIAL Filed Jan. 30, 1950 April 8 1952 T. SENDZIMIR 2,591,730

COLLAPSIBLE TENSION-WINDER OR REEL FOR STRIP MATERIAL Filed Jan. so, 195o '7 sheets-sheet 4 10ofo1 f l I 10H- 103 1oz oz |`100 Hm foo Hb 115 11b 11o) l 11C! INVENTOR.

T. sENDzlMlR 2,591,730

COLLAPSIBLE TENSION-WINDEIR OR REEL FOR STRIP MATERIAL April 3, 1952 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Jan. so, 195o Wlllll llllllllnlmn M il- MHJJFEIIT l ,73 )lf 1 3 TQM. 7. 10\ Z a0 m m w o 3 Z 2 .l Z 7N w April 8, 1952 T. sENDzlMlR 2,591,730

COLLAPSIBLE TENSION-WINDER OR REEL FOR STRIP MATERIAL Filed Jan. 50, 1950 x 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 April 8, 1952 T. sENDzlMlR 2,591,730

' COLLAPSIBLE TENSION-WINDER OR REEL FOR STRIP MATERIAL Filed Jan. so, 195o '7 sheets-sheet 7 m wo i mz V ,3 155 155 ma v um s 'auV 1% 13e 139 26. W m

Patented Apr. 8, 1952 ooLLAPsIBLE TENSION-WINDER R REEL Fon. STRIP MATERIAL 'adeus` Sendiiniir, Middletown, Ohio, assigner to ArmzendCompany, Incorporated, Waterbury, Conn., a" corporation of Delaware Application `anuary 30, 1950, Serial No. 141,240

1v anims. (o1. 24a- 72) The present invention relates to winders or drums on which strip material and the like may be wound under high tension, and which winders or reels may be collapsed to permit the ready removal of the bundle of wound material therefrom.

It may here be noted that in many industries it is necessary, for economic reasons, to wind as much material on a single drum or reel asis possible, with the result that the reel or drum is forced to carry a very large weight o f material and is, therefore, subject to great bending or flexural stresses. l

Furthermore, in many industries -it is necessary `to utilize the drum or reel as a tension-Winder to exert great tensile pull upon the material being wound, in order to assist the reduction of the thickness of such material as, for instance, when used in conjunction with a metal rolling mill. Such utilization causes tremendous compressive strains upon the collapsible shoes or segments of the Winder, with the result that it is dicult to assure the necessary uniformity in function of the actuating-means for eifecting the collapse of the winder or drum. Other difhcult conditions under which it is desirable to use collapsible tension-winders or reels are well knowninthe art and have long had the attention of Vskilled persons endeavoring to minimize difculties and defects in the construction oi collapsible tensionwinders or reels.

One of the main objects of the present invention is to provide a collapsible tension-Winder or drum having a superior construction and arrangement of parts whereby it effectively resists high stresses and functions in a smooth and reliable manner. y

Another object of the present invention is to provide a superior collapsible tension-Winder or drum of the character above referred to and capable of reliably functioning when supporting at only one end, to thereby provide a structure from which4 a roll or bundle of material may be readily removed.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a collapsible tension-Winder or drum` having a superior construction and arrangement of parts whereby there is assured the uniform retirement of its collapsible shoes `despite the structure being subjected to very high stresses.

Still another object of theinvention is to provide a superior collapsible tension-Winder having simple, reliable and eiiective means for gripping the end of a strip or the likepreparatory to the winding operation. l

Other objects and advantages will appear to those skilled in the art from the following, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

In the accompanying drawings, in which certain modes of carrying out the present invention are shown for illustrative purposes:

Fig. 1 is a View mainly in central-longitudinal section and rpartly in side elevation of one form which a tension-Winder may assume in accordance with the present invention and with the gripping-shoes in their expanded positions;

Fig. 2 is a broken central-longitudinal sectional view of the outer endbof` the drive-shaft and the parts organized therewith, but. on a larger scale than Fig. l, and also showing the gripping-shoes in their expanded positions;

Fig.y 3 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. e is a similar viewtalsen on the line li-li of Fig. 2*; f y

Fig. 5 is a broken perspective view of the driveshaft looking toward the outer end thereof;

Fig. 6 is a perspective View of one of the gripping-shoes, detached;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the actuatinghead looking mainly toward the inner end thereof;

Fig. 8 isv a longitudinal sectional view similar to Fig. 2, but showing the gripping-shoes collapsed; i Y

Fig. 9 is a transverse sectional View similar to Fig. 3, but showing another form of the present invention;

Fig. l0 is a view in central-longitudinal section cf still another form which the present invention may assume and with the gripping-shoes in their expanded positions;

Fig'. 11 is ra view corresponding to though slightly less comprehensive than Fig. 10, but showing the parts in the positions which they assume when the gripping-shoes are collapsed;

Fig. l2 is a broken view in central-longitudinal section of still another form which the present invention' may assume;

Fig. 13 is a view looking toward' the outer end of the structure of Fig. 12; i

Fig. 14 is a transverse sectional View taken. on the line ifi-ill of Fig. l2; l, v

Fig. l5 is a'brohen enlarged-scale sectional View taken online l--l of' Fig. 12;

Fig. l6^is a perspective view ofV one ci the two similar toggle-levers, detached; Y

Fig. 17 is a perspective View of one of the guidepins employed inthe structure oi Figs. l2 to 16 inclusive;

18 is a broken View partly in central-longitudinal section and partly in side elevation of a still further form which the present invention may assume and incorporating a gripping-mechanism;

Fig. 19 is a top or plan view of the device illustrated in Fig. 18 with portions of the grippingshoe assembly broken away and with the said assembly and the companion gripping-shoes in their expanded positions;

Fig. 20 is a view similar to Fig. 19 but showing the gripping-shoes in their collapsed positions;

Fig. 21 is a view partly in transverse section on the line 2 |-2I of Fig. 19 but with the controlmember in inner-end elevation;

Fig. 22 is a broken enlarged-scale sectional view of the upper portion of Fig. 21;

Fig. 23 is a broken View in central-longitudinal section of a still further form which the present invention may assume and showing the gripping-shoes or -rings in their expanded positions;

Fig. 24 is a view looking toward the outer end of the showing of Fig. 23;

Fig. 25 is a View similar to Fig 23 but showing the gripping-shoes or -rings collapsed.

Fig. 26 is a ffragmental top or plan view of the outer portion of the structure of Fig. 23 with the gripping-shoes in their expanded positions;

Fig. 27 is a view similar to Fig. 26, but showing the parts in the positions which they assume when the gripping-shoes are collapsed;

Fig. 28 is a broken detail sectional view taken on the line 28--28 of Fig. 26, but on a larger scale;

Fig. 29 is a broken perspective view of a fragment of one of the control-rings detachedand viewing the same mainly from its inner side;

Fig. 30 is a similar view of a fragment of one of the gripping-rings, detached; and

Fig. 31 is a perspective view of one of the actuating-levers, detached.

The showing of Figs. 1 to 8 inclusive The tension-Winder or reel illustrated in Figs. 1 to 8 inclusive, comprises a drive-shaft 28 having an axial passage 2| extending therethrough, in which is adapted to reciprocate an actuating-rod 22. The said drive-shaft is supported in spacedapart roller bearings or other suitable antifriction bearings 23 and 24 which, in turn, are respectively mounted in the inner and outer portions of a frame or housing 25, through which the inner portion of the drive-shaft 20 extends, as is especially well shown in Fig. 1.

The outer end of the drive-shaft 28 projects beyond the outer portion of the frame 25 and the roller bearing 24 and is tapered as shown, and provided with four (more or less) similar outwardly-facing cam-surfaces 26 which slope in a direction lengthwise of the said drive-shaft and converge inwardly toward the outer end thereof. Secured subtantially centrally on each of the cam-surfaces 26 is one of four similar dovetailribs 21 also extending substantially longitudinally of the said drive-shaft.

Located adjacent the outer end oi the driveshaft 20 and adjustably mounted on the outer portion of the actuating-rod 22 is a controlmember 28. The said control-member is secured to the actuating-rod 22 by means of an adjustingnut 29 recessed into the outer end of the controlmember 28 and threaded onto the adjacent portion of the said adjusting-rod, as is shown in Figs. 2 and 8. The said adjusting-nut 29 is, in

turn, coupled to the control-member by means of a retaining-plate 38.

The control-member 28 tapers inwardly toward the outer end of the drive-shaft 20 and is provided with four (more or less) similar outwardlyfacing cam-surfaces 3l which slope in a direction longitudinally of the drive-shaft in registration with and in opposition to the slope of the camsurfaces 28 previously referred to. Secured substantially centrally on each of the cam-surfaces 3| is one of four similar dovetail-ribs 32 also extending longitudinally of the drive-shaft 20 and preferably registering with the dovetail-ribs 21 on the previously-described cam-surfaces 25 of the drive-shaft 29.

Mounted jointly on the outer end of the driveshaft 20 and the control-member 28 are four (more or less) similar gripping-shoes 33. Each of the said gripping-shoes is provided (Fig. 6) on its inner face with two oppositely-sloping camsurfaces 34 and 35 respectively conforming to and slidably engaging with one of the cam-surfaces 26 of the drive-shaft 20 and the aligned one of the cam-surfaces 3l of the control-member 28. The cam-surfaces 34 and 35 of a given gripping-shoe 33 are respectively formed with dovetail-grooves 36 and 31 respectively interiitting with the dovetail-ribs 2 and 32 previously described, to eiect the coupling of the said gripping-shoes to both the drive-shaft 20 and the control member 28.

It may here be explained that each of the gripping-shoes 33 is provided, as shown (Figs. 2 and 8), with radial openings 33a in order that the dovetail-ribs 21 and 32 may be attached respectively to the cam-surfaces 26 and 3l after the said dovetail-ribs have been installed respectively in the dovetail-grooves 35 and 3i', and after the gripping-shoes 33 have been positioned over the various cam-surfaces 26 and 3l. This procedure is necessary in View of the particular construction here being considered, since the reverse slopes of the cam-surfaces 26 and 3i respectively will not permit the pre-assembly of the ribs 21 and 32 with either the drive-shaft 28 or the control-member 28.

The four (more or less) gripping-shoes 33 above described Serve to jointly provide a coilreceiving surface for the drive-shaft 2). In its outer end, each gripping-shoe 33 is provided with an arcuate coupling-rib 38 projecting inwardly toward the actuating-rod 22 and extending over an annular coupling-rib 39 projecting radially outwardly from an actuating-head 4U.

The actuating-head 40 above referred to has movement in an axial direction with respect to the drive-shaft 20, actuating-rod 22 and controlmember 28, and bears partly upon the outer periphery of a sleeve 4i and a retaining-nut 42, as is especially well shown in Figs. 2. and 8. The sleeve 4l is rigidly mounted upon the reduced outer portion oi the actuating-rod 22 and, spaced outwardly therefrom is the said retaining-nut 42 which is threadedly connected to the extreme outer portion of the said actuating-rod. Fitting between the sleeve 4l andthe retaining-nut 42 are the cylindrically-contoured inner ends of four (more or less) actuating-levers 43 respectively extending substantially radially in a similar number of radial passages 44 formed in the actuating-head 40, as is especially well shown in Fig. 4. The central portion of each of the actuating-levers is also cylindrically contoured and is pivotally mounted in the given one of the said passages 44 by means of two oppositely-facing bearing-shoes 45-45 as is especially well shown .retaining-head ffii.

in Figsz andV 8. As shown, the respective inner faces o'a given pair-of bearing-shoes545i-#Bare conformed to the curvature of the cylindricallycontoured centralpcrtion of the adjacent actuat- Aing-lever -4-3. s

I'he respective outer ends of each of the actuating-levers 33 above referred to are also cylindrically contoured, and respectively extend into "one'of four similar inwardly-opening recesses 415 `(Fi-g4) formed in the interior of a cup-shaped The said retaining-head is xedly coupled to the outer end of the drive- `shaftZl) by means of four (more or less) tie-rods "I8 grouped around the actuating-rod 22 in par-al- Alelism therewith and having their inner ends "threaded into the outer end of the drive-shaft 2i) asis indicated in Figs. '2 and 8. The outer ends ofthe said tie-rods d'8 are rigidly secured 'to the 'cupshaped retaining-head All.

vrFrom the foregoing, it will be apparent that 'when the actuating-rod a2 is reciproca-ted with respect to the drive-shaft 2S, it will rock the actuating-levers i3 about their outer ends as fulciums within t -e Fixed retaining-head ci. This rocking movement ofthe levers 43 will shift the gripping-shoesin an' axial direction a distance corresponding vto one-half the distance (in the instance shown), through which the actuatingrod 22 and its attached control-member 2S are moved-all for purposes as will more fully hercinaiter appear.

. The drive-shaft 2S may be driven in any suitable manner, and in thepresent instance there -is illustrated in Fig."`.1 a drive-gear 49 mounted within the frame or housing Z5 and rigidly keyed tof-the said drive-shaft 2i). Meshinginto the drive-gear i3 is adrivo-pinion 5S forming part of a vshaftii journaled in the frame or casing 25 and'adapted Ato be connected to any suitable source of power.

.-.The-actuating-rod y22 or its equivalent may be reciprocated by any suitable ymeans for Veffecting the expansion and collapsing of the gripping- .shoes `l33, and for purposes of illustration in the `present instance, there is yshown (Fig. 1) as threaded onto the end of the said actuating-rod `remote from the gripping-shoes 33', a piston 152. "The said piston is adapted to reciprocate within acylinder 53 rigidly attached to the inner end of! the drive-shaft 2d and rotatable therewith. i

The cylinder 53 is provided with a neck 54 projecting 'axially'away from the inner end of the 'drive-shaft 20 and rotatable in the reducedfdiameter `outer portion of -a huid-connecting member55 rigidly attached to the inner portion of the'frame or housing 25 previously described.

The fluid-connecting member -55 is provided with Pt'wo radial fluid-passages 55 and 51 which `are adapted to be connected in any suitable mannerfto a source of fluid under pressure. The

-uidpassage' '55 communicates with an annular fluid-chamber Y5S formed in `the outer portion of 'fthe member 55 which, in "turn, communicates ivitha -radial passage 59 in the neck 54. The

inner endof the-passage I5t just referred to com- 'huid-chamber 62 isv in communication with a radial passage 63 formed in the neck 54 of the cylinder 53. lThe-said passage 63 is also in communication with an axial chamber B4 formed `shaft 2E! 'to acorresponding degree.

in the neck 5-'5 around the tube 60 therein. The 'inner end-of the chamber 64 communicates with `the portion of the cylinder 53 to the left of the piston 52, as is indicated in'Fig. 1.

It will be obvious from the foregoing that when the parts are in the positions in which they are shown in Figs. 1 and 2 (with the gripping-shoes 33 expanded), that if fluid under pressure is supplied to the radial fluid-passage 51 in the luidconnectingmember 55 (while the radial passage -56 is properly vented), the piston -52 and the parts `connected thereto will be moved from left to right (-as viewed in the drawings), to thereby eifect `the collapse of the gripping-shoes 33 into the positions in which they are indicated in Fig. 8. Conversely,v if fluid under pressure is now supplied to the radial fluid-passage 55 in the member 55 (while `the radial passage 5l is properly vented), huid under pressure will be supplied tothe right portion of the cylinder 53, with the resultv that thefpiston 52 and the parts connected thereto v-w'ill'be moved from right to left, with the effect of expanding the gripping-shoes 33.

It will -be apparent from the foregoing that 'when the actuating-rod 22 is moved from left to rightyfrom the position in which it is shown in lFig. y2, the-control-member 28 will be similarly moved to the same extent, thereby sliding the cam-surfaces 3| of the said control-member outwardiy vwith yrespect to the internal cam-surfaces 35--o'f the gripping-shoes 33. This action 'will `relievethe4 outer portions of the grippingshoes 33 fromsupport andperniit them to collapse radially inwardly, provided the left camsurfaces`34 of the gripping-shoes 33 are moved with respect to the cam-surfaces 26 on the drive- To insure the movement last referred to and thus insure the collapse of 'the gripping-shoes 33, the said gripping-shoes 33, coincidentally with the movement of the `control-'member 28 as above described, willv also be moved in ,an axial direction through the intermediary of the actuating-levers 43, butI to only half the extent to which the said control-memberhas been moved,.all as indicated in Fig. 8.

The 'showing of Fig. .9

Fig. -9 .isa view similar to Fig. 3, save that it illustrates a slightly `modified form of the present invention. -In Fig. 9 the drive-shaft 20a is .in all'majorrespects the same as the previously described drive-sliaft 2i), save that it is provided upon -its periphery with eight concave cylindrically-.contou-red cam-surfaces'Ztawhich function similarly vto `the cam-surfaces 26 previously -described. 'Respectfully engaging with the camvsurfaces v26a. 'are convex cylindrically-contoured camssurfaces-Sa, one of which is formed on the inner face of each of eight gripping-shoes 33a functioning inthe same manner as has been describedinconnection with vthe gripping-shoes 33.

The. gripping-shoes 33a may be collapsed in the same manner `as has been `previously described in connection with the showing of Figs. 1 to8 inclusiva. and the showing of Fig. 9 is intended toiindicate astructure wherein the detailsare slightlyvaried to provide an even moreuniform "collapsing and expandingaction'than is available "withithetstructureof Figs. 14 'to Scinclusive.

The showing of Figs. 10 and 11 ln the showing of Figs. l to 8 inclusive, actuating-levers i3 were employed to insure that the gripping-shoes 33 would be positively moved in an axial direction a fractional part of the movement imparted to the control-nember 28 or its equivalent. The showing of Figs. l and 11 employs hydraulic means for achieving the proportioned equivalent movement just above referred to, all as will be presently described.

In Fig. l() there is shown a drive-shaft 85 supported in suitable antifriction bearings 66 and 67 carried in a frame or housing 83.

The drive-shaft 65 projects beyond the bearing 87 and the adjacent end of the frame or housing 68, and is there provided upon its periphery with a plurality of pairs of outwardly-facing carri-surfaces {iSd-59h which slope in a direction lengthwise of the said drive-shaft, and converge inwardly toward the outer end of the latter.

Rigidly attached to and extending axially outwardly from the outer end of the drive-shaft 65 is a tie-rod 56. Mounted upon the tie-rod i8 with capacity for axial sliding movement thereon is a control-member 7|. The said controlmember is provided upon its outer periphery with a plurality of pairs of outwardly-facing camsurfaces 2a-l2b, perierably corresponding in number to the number of pairs of cam-surfaces G9a-6% previously described. The said camsurfaces 12a-'mb slope in a direction longitudinally of the drive-shaft in opposition to the slope of the cam-surfaces Sim-69h as is indicated in Figs. l0 and 11.

Surrounding the tapered outer end of the drive-shaft 65 and the control-member is a plurality of gripping-shoes 73. Each of the said gripping-shoes is provided on its inner face with two pairs of cam-surfaces 14a-'|417 and '15a- 152), respectively conforming to and slidably engaging with the cam-surfaces 69a69b of the drive-shaft 65 and the cam-surfaces 'Ha- 72b of the control-member 1|.

Each of the cam-surfaces 69a-69b and 12a-12b have centrally secured to them one of a number of longitudinal retaining-ribs '|6 functioning in the same manner as the previouslydescribed dovetail-ribs 2l and 32, and serving to retain the gripping-shoes 'i3 in place, While permitting the relative longitudinal movement of the latter with respect to both the drive-shaft 65 and the control-member 1|.

Each gripping-shoe 73 is provided at its outer end with an inwardly-projecting coupling-rib 'Il extending over a coupling-rib 'i8 projecting radially outwardly from an actuating-ring 19. The said actuating-ring forms part of the inner portion of a tubular outer piston 8|! which is adapted to reciprocate within a cylinder 8|. Axially movable within the tubular piston 88 is a plate-like inner piston 82 rigidly attached to the reduced outer end of the control-member In combination, the outer piston 86, the cylinder 8| and the inner piston 82 provide four chambers 83, 84, 85 and 88.

The tubular piston 8i) is provided with a diagonal passage 81 serving to provide communication between the chamber 83 and the chamber 86. Communicating at its outer end with the chamber 85, is a fluid-passage 88 formed in the control-member 7| and telescopically receiving in its enlarged inner end a tube 69 which is rigidly Iseated in the outer end of the drive-shaft 65.

Communicating with the inner end of the tube 89 is a fluid-passage 98 formed in the outer portion of the drive-shaft 65 and communicating at its inner end with an axial fluid-passage 9| also formed in the said drive-shaft. The left end (as viewed in Figs. l0 and 11) of the fluid-passage 9| is in communication with a tube 92 rigidly carried by the drive-shaft 6|, and having mounted upon it with' capacity for relative rotation a fluid-connecting member 93. The said fluid-connecting member is adapted to be connected to a source of fluid under pressure for purposes as will hereinafter appear.

Located to the left (as viewed in Figs. 10 and l1) of the fluid-connecting member 93 is another uid-connecting member 94 also adapted to be connected to a source of fluid under pressure, and mounted with freedom for relative rotation upon the outer end of a tube 95. The interior of the member 94 is in communication with the interior of the tube 95, which latter extends centrally through the axial fluid-passage 9| in the drive-shaft 65. The right end of the tube 95 is connected in a fluid-tight manner to the inner end of an axial fluid-passage 96 extending through the tie-rod 'I8 and communicating at its outer end with a radial fluid-passage 91 formed in the outer portion of the cylinder 8| and communicating with the chamber 84 in the latter.

The drive-shaft 65 and the parts carried thereby may be turned in any suitable manner.such, for instance, as by means of a drive-gear 98 keyed or otherwise rigidly secured to the said drive-shaft at a location within the frame or housing 68 as is indicated in `Fig. 10. Any suitable source of power may be connected to the drive-gear 98.

Let it be assumed, for purposes of description, that the parts are in the positions in which they are indicated in Fig. 10, in which event, the gripping-shoes 13 are in their expanded positions. Now, let it be assumed that it is desired to collapse the gripping-shoes 13 inwardly to release a bundle of sheet metal or the like. To accomplish this object, the fluid-connecting member 94 may be vented to permit the escape of fluid therefrom, and fluid under pressure may be admitted into the fluid-connecting member 93 thereby creating pressure in the chamber within the tubular piston S8, thus tending to shift the plate-like inner piston 82 to the right. The movement of the piston 82 will force fiuid to ow from the chamber 86 through the diagonal fluidpassage Bl into the chamber 83 within the cylinder 8| which latter, as previously described, is held rigid with the drive-shaft 65 by means of the tie-rod '18. Now, inasmuch as the cross-sectional area of the chamber 83 in the cylinder 8| is much greater than the cross-sectional area of the chamber 86 Within the tubular piston 80, the displaced fluid will simultaneously force the said tubular piston from left to right and thus similarly shift the gripping-shoes 13. The movement imparted to the control-member 1| will be materially in excess of the movement imparted to the gripping-shoes 'I3 and the parts at the conclusion of the operation just described, will assume the positions in which they are indicated in Fig. 1l.

To restore the parts back into the positions in which they are shown in Fig. 10, fluid under pressure will be introduced into the fluid-connecting member 9e, While the companion huid-connecting member 93 is permitted to have fluid escape therefrom.

The structure now being described includes a drive-shaft S9 having four (more or less) similar outwardly-facing cam-surfaces which slope in a direction lengthwise of the said drive-shaft and converge inwardly toward the outer end thereof. Formed substantially centrally in each of the cam-surfaces |i|0 is one of four similar T-shaped grooves I0|, each of which receives the inner portion of one of four similar I-shaped guide-bars or -keys |02 extending longitudinally of thesaid drive-shaft. Each of the guide-bars |02 has a sliding iit in a T-shaped groove |23, one of which is formed in the inner adjacent camsurface |04 of each oi four similar grippingshoes |05.

The drive-shaft $9 is formed with an axial passage |06 in which is adapted to reciprocate an actuating-rod |01. The said actuating-rod projects outwardly beyond the outer end oi the drive-shaft 99 and has mounted upon its extreme outer end a control-member |08. The said control-memberV |68 is rigidly coupled to the actuating-rod |01 by means of a anged cupshaped attaching-member which, as indicated in Fig. 12, is threaded onto the outer end of the said actuating-rod and bolted to the outer face of the said control-member.

The control-member |08, like the previouslydescribed control-member 28, tapers inwardly toward the outer end of its drive-shaft which, in this instance, is the drive-shaftSS. In the instance shcwn, the control-member |02 is provided with four similar outwardly-facing carnsurfaces ||0 which slope in a direction lengthwise of the drive-shaft in registration respectively with and in opposition to the slope of the camsurfaces |00. Each of the cam-surfaces ||0 is formed with a T-shaped groove III which is in registration with the similar one of the grooves |0| previously described. Each of the grooves ||I receives the inner portion of one of four similar I-shaped guide-bars or -keys H2 (Fig. 12) and each of said guide-bars has a sliding fit in a T-shaped groove H3. There are a total of four T-shaped grooves H3, one of which is formed in the cam-surface I I4 forming a feature of the interior of the outer portion of each oi the gripping-shoes |05.

About midway of itslength and intermediate the respective cam-surfaces Iltand iid therein, each gripping-shoe |95 is formed with a recess II5 opening inwardly toward the actuating-rod I0? as is especially well shown in Fig. 12. On each of the respective opposite sides of its recess HE, each gripping-shoe |05 is formed with one of two complemental guide-grooves II-i i6 extending in the radial direction and in communication withthe adjacent recess H5, as is especially well indicated in Figs. 14 and 15.

Extending transversely across each of the recesses H5 and having flattened ends slidable in the guide-grooves i'i--I l5 of each grippingshoe, is a guide-pin il? against which bears the outer end oi two similar but oppositely-inclined toggle-levers Ii-I I0. For the purpose of connecting the outer ends of the two toggle-levers ||8i |8 to the guide-pin i El', the outer portions of each of the said toggle-levers are encircled by a pair of retaining-rings HSB-IIB respectively locatedadjacent the opposite sides of the adjacent recess IIE and arranged concentrically with respect to the said guide pin.

A. given pair of toggle-levers I|8--I I6 diverge from each other inwardly toward the actuatingrod 01 and are pvotally connected to the driveshaft 99 and the control-member |08 as is especially well shown in Fig. 12.

Now, when it is desired to cause the grippingshoes |05 to collapse inwardly, the actuating-rod |01 may be forced axially .outwardly by any suitable means, to thus move the control-member |08 into substantially the position in which it is indicated by broken lines in Fig. l2. This action will, through theintermediary of the toggle-levers |I0-I I8, serve to move the gripping-shoes |05 also outwardly in an axial direction, but only to a degree substantially one-half of the degree to which the said control-member |08 has been moved. The parts will have now assumed substantially the positions in which they are indicated by broken lines in Fig. 12.

When it is desired to again expand the gripping-shoes |05, the actuating-rod |01 may be moved axially inwardly to thus restore the parts to substantially the positions i'n which they` are indicated by full lines, in Figs. 12 to 15 inclusive.

The showing of Figs. 18v` to 22 inclusive The structure of Figs. 18 to 22 inclusive is basically the same as the structure illustrated in Figs. 1 to 8 inclusive, save that provision is made whereby one of the gripping-shoes is dividedlongitudinally and is so constructed and arranged that it will serve to grip the in-bent end of a coil or bundle of sheet metal or the like, when the gripping-shoes are expanded. The clamping action referred to will be automatically released when the gripping-shoes are collapsed, all as will be presently described.

A drive-shaft |20 is employed similar tothe drive-shaft 20 previously described, and like the same having an axial passage |2I extending therethrough, as is indicated in Fig. 18. Extending through the passage |2| is an actuatingrod 22 which has previously been described in detail and which has mounted on its projecting outer portion a control-member |22 similar to the control-member 28 previously described. The parts at the outer end of the actuating-rod 22 and outwardly of the control-member |22 are the same as those illustrated in Figs. 1 to 8 inclusive, with the exception that the actuatinghead `11i) is replaced by an actuating-head |23 having circumferentially spaced-apart couplingribs |24 projecting outwardly therefrom, forv purposes as will hereinafter appear. Y

Both the outer end of the drive-shaft |20 and the control-member |22 are provided with slop` ing cam-surfaces in the same general manner as those previously described in connection with the preceding structures and herein requiring'no detailed description other than to note that jointly arranged around them and keyed thereto for relative axial movement are three (more or less) similar gripping-shoes |25 (Fig. 21), and one two-part gripping-shoe assembly generally designated by the reference character |26. The

. movement with respect to the drive-shaft |20 by Il` means of a guide-bar or -key |29, which diverges away from the center of the drive-shaft as it progresses outwardly toward the outer end of the said drive-shaft, all as is especially well indicated in Figs. 19 and 20. The said clampingmember 121 is also coupled to the control-member |22 for oblique movement with respect thereto by means of a guide-bar or -key |31! also extending obliquely with respect to the center line of the control-member |22 and sloping in a diy rection opposite to the slope of the guide-bar |29.

The companion clamping-member |28 of the gripping-shoe assembly |26 previously referred to is, in turn, keyed to the drive-shaft |20 for oblique movement with respect thereto by means of a guide-bar 13| diverging away from its companion guide-bar |23, as is especially well shown in Figs. 19 and 20. The said clamping-member 128 is also keyed to the control-member -122 for oblique movement relative thereto by a guide-bar or -key |32 obliquely arranged both with respect to the center line of the control-member 122 and its companion guide-bar 133.

Secured to the inner edge of the clampingmember |21 and facing toward the companion clamping-member |23, is a clamping-bar 133 (Fig. 22) which is adapted to cooperate with a companion clamping-bar |34 mounted on the inner face of the clamping-member |28 with capacity for slight lateral movement toward and away from the companion clamping-bar |33. The clamping-bar |34 is, in the instance shown, of U-shaped form in cross section and may be yieldingly urged toward the companion clamping-bar |33 by any suitable yielding-means such, for instance, as a strip |35 of natural or synthetic rubber, or the like. Y

The complemental clamping-bars |33 and |34 just above referred to are adapted to grip between them the inturned terminal-end |36 of a strip of material |31, as is indicated in Fig. 22.

For purposes of description, it may be assumed that the gripping-shoes and the gripping-shoe assembly |26 are in their expanded positions as indicated in Figs. 18, 19, 21

and 22, in which gures the terminal-end |36 is gripped between the elements |33 and 134. It may be further assumed that it is now desired to collapse the'felements |25 and |26. To effect this result, the actuating-rod 22 may be forced axially outwardly by any suitable means, thereby simultaneously moving the control-member |22 outwardly together with the gripping-shoes |25 and the gripping-shoe assembly |26, in the same manner as has been described in detail in connection with Ythe showing of Figs. 1 to 8 inclusive.

The described outward movement of the elements |22, |25 and -126 will cause the elements 125 and |25 to move inwardly toward the central longitudinal axis of the drive-shaft |29, and will simultaneously cause the .clamping-members |21 and |23 of the gripping-shoe assembly |26 to separate laterallyand thus release the terminalend |36 of the strip material |31. The separation of the clamping-members |21 and |28 as just described will be caused by the diverging arrangement of the guide-bars |29 and 13| and the similar arrangement of the guide-bars and |32. The parts may now be assumed to have reached the positions in which they are shown in Fig. 20.

Upon the exertion of force upon the actuatingrod 22, so as to move the same inwardly, the parts will be restored to the positions in which they are 12 shown in Figs.v 18, 19, 21 and 22, to bring the clamping-bars 133 and 134 together to grip the terminal-end of a strip preparatory to another winding or reeling operation.

The showing of Figs. 23 to 31 inclusive In the preceding structures there have been shown and described tension-winders or reels wherein a plurality of gripping-shoes 'have been divided from each other in a direction longitudinally of the drive-shaft with which they are associated. In-the present instance and as will be later described in detail, the structure embodies a plurality of substantially-annular gripping-shoes.

The structure of Figs. 23 to 31 inclusive includes a drive-shaft |38 which may be driven in any suitable manner and which is provided at its outer end with a cylindrically-contoured portion o slightly-reduced diameter designated =by the reference character |39. The said reduced portion |39 is formed in its periphery with a longitudinal groove |46 and is formed in its outer end with three (more or` less) coupling-fingers |41 projecting in a direction paralleling the axis of the drive-shaft.

The drive-shaft |32 is formed with an axial passage |42 in which is adapted to reciprocate an actuating-rod |43. Threaded or otherwise rigidly attached to the outer end of the actuating-rod |43, is an actuating-head |44 having three radially-extending coupling-lingers fitting between the coupling-fingers 14| of the drive-shaft |38 as is especially well shown in Fig. 24.

Mounted upon the cylindrically-contoured outer portion |39 of the drive-shaft |38, with capacity for sliding movement thereon in an axial direction, is a plurality of control-rings or -members |46, each of which is provided with oppositely-sloping outwardly-facing cam-surfaces |41-|41 inclined' in a direction lengthwise of the drive-shaft |38 as is especially well shown in Fig. 28.

In turn, encircling the control-rings |46 above referred to, is a plurality of gripping-rings or -shoes which are slightly short of being complete in a circumferential direction (Fig. 24), so as to be able to expand and contract in a radial direction. Each gripping-ring |48 is provided on its inner periphery with two inwardly-facing camsurfaces |49| 4S respectively sloping in opposite directions and substantially conforming to and engaging with the outwardly-facing cam-surface |41 of one control-ring |46 and the oppositelysloping cam-surface |41 of the next-adjacent `control-ring, as is indicated in Figs. 23, 25 and 28.

At a point diametrically opposite its split portion, each gripping-ring |48 is formed with an inwardly-opening cylindrical socket |53 receiving a trunnion 15| projecting outwardly from the central portion of the adjacent one of a plurality of actuating-levers each generally designated by the reference character |52. Axially in line with its outwardly-projecting central trunnion 15|, each actuating-lever |52 is also formed with an inwardly-projecting cylindrically-contoured trunnion |53 extending into the longitudinal groove |40 in the drive-shaft |38 with capacity for both turning movement and lateral sliding movement therein. At its respective opposite ends, each actuating-lever |52 is provided with one of two similar cylindrically-contoured and outwardly-projecting trunnions 154-154 for purposes as will hereinafter appear.

Returning now to the control-rings |46, each thereof is formed with a pair of inwardly-opening direction parallelng the circumference of the control-ring |45 in which it is formed, as is especially well shown in Fig. 29. A given socket |55 in a given control-ring |45 receives one of the trunnions |54 of one actuating-lever |52, While the companion socket |55 receives the adjacent trunnion |54 of another one of the actuatinglevers |52,` as is especially Well shown in Figs. 26 andzv.- y

As is indicated in Figs. 26 and 27, the actuating-head |44 is formed in the interior of one oi its coupling-ngers |45 with a socket |56 elongated in a circumferential direction and similar to the sockets |55 previously described. The said socket |56 receives the adjacent outwardly-projecting trunnion |55 of the outermost one of the actuating-levers |52. The coupling-fingers |45 are al-so each formed with an inclined camsurface |51.

Rigidly attached to the innermost end of the reduced portion |39 of the drive-shaft |38, is a 14 terial tightly wound upon the tension-Winder will serve as a coupling and thus insure the coincident movement of the other of the said gripping-shoes. If desired, such gripping-shoes may obviously be coupled together for coincidental movement in an axial direction.

The invention may be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the spirit and essential characteristics of the invention, and the present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.

I claim:

l. A collapsible tension-Winder for strip material, including in combination: a drive-shaft;

. a first plurality of outwardly-facing cam-surring |58 which is formed interiorly with an inwardly-opening socket |59, as is indicated in Figs. 23 and 25, and corresponding to the sockets |55 and |56 previously described. The said ring i3 is also formed with an inclined cam-surface |65- Assuming, for purposes of description, that the gripping-rings or -shoes |48 are expanded as is shown in Figs. 23, 24, 26 and 28, an outward axial movement of the actuating-rod |53 will similarly move the actuating-head Hifi. Since Vthe said actuating-head is coupled by means of yits elongated socket |56 and the adjacent one of the trunnions |54 to the outermost actuating-lever |52, the control-rings |46 will (bythe action of the actuating-levers |52) be separated from each other in an axial direction, and similarly the split gripping-rings or -shoes |48 will be separated, to bring the parts substantially into the positions in which they are indicated in4 Figs. 25 and 2'?.` During the operation just referred to, the actuating-levers |52 will tilt around their coaxial trunnions |5| and |53 in a direction more nearly into alignment with the longitudinal axis of the drive-shaft |38. This movement will cause the displacement (in an axial direction) of a given gripping-ring |48 to a degree substantially one-half of the degree to which the contacting control-ring |45 is moved in an axial direction. This proportional movement will be apparent by comparing the showings of Figs. 23V and 25.

Rsum

Y The forms of the present invention selected for illustration in the accompanying drawings are all characterized by a proportional movement of the gripping-shoes, or their equivalent, with respect to the movement of the actuating-members, so that the reliable collapse of the gripping-shoes or their equivalent will be assured to eifect the release of a bundle or coil of strip material or the like previously wound undertension on the tension-Winder or reel. The proportional movement referred to can be reliably and effectively accomplished by means of the present invention by the reciprocating movement of an actuatingrod or the like.

When employing a plurality of gripping-shoes of the character illustrated in Figs. 1 to 8 inclusive, it is preferred to positively move each of the said gripping-shoes, though it has been found that if one thereof is positively moved in an axial direction, under most circumstances the frictional grip of the coil or bundle of strip mafaces carried by the said drive-shaft and sloping in a direction lengthwise thereof; a second plurality of outwardly-facing cam-surfaces also carried by the said drive-shaft and sloping in a direction opposite to the slope of the said rst plurality of cam-surfacesj a plurality of gripping-shoes jointly providing a coil-receiving outer surface for the said drive-shaft and movable toward and away from the axis of rotation of the latterY as well as in an axial direction with respect to both ci' the said pluralities of camsurfaces and the said drive-shaft, each of the said gripping-shoes being provided with at least one inwardly-facing cam-surface engageable with and sloping in substantial conformity with at least one of the rst plurality of cam-surfaces, and each of the said gripping-shoes also being provided with at least one inwardly-facing camsurface engageable with and sloping in substantial conformity with at least one of the said second plurality of cam-surfaces; and actuatingmeans eecting the collapse and expansion of the said gripping-shoes and including a member reciprocating lengthwise of the said drive-shaft, the said actuating-means coincidentally shifting one of the said plurality of cam-surfaces and the said gripping-shoes in an axial direction with respect to the said drive-shaft and constructed and arranged to shift the last-mentioned plurality of cam-surfaces to a greater extent than the said gripping-shoes.

2. A collapsible tension-Winder as set forth in claim 1 and in which the said actuating-means also includes at least one actuating-lever operatively interposed between the said reciprocating member and the said gripping-shoes.

3. A collapsible tension-Winder as set forth in claim 1 and in which the said actuating-means includes cylinder-means and in which the said reciprocating member of the actuating-means is in the form of a piston operatively associated with the said cylinder-means.

4. A collapsible tension-Winder for strip material, including in combination: a drive-shaft having a passage extending longitudinally therethrough; a first plurality of outwardly-facing cam-surfaces carried by the said drive-shaft and sloping in a direction lengthwise thereof; a second plurality of outwardly-facing cam-surfaces also carried by the said drive-shaft and sloping in a direction opposite to the slope of the said first plurality of cam-surfaces; a plurality of gripping-shoes jointly providing a coil-receiving outer surface for the said drive-shaft and movable toward and away from the axis of rotation of the latter as Well as in an axial direction with respect to both of the said pluralities of cam-surfaces and the said drive-shaft, each of the said gripping-shoes being provided with at least one inwardly-facing cam-surface engageable with and sloping in substantial conformity with at least one of the rst plurality of cam-surfaces, and each of the said gripping-shoes also being provided with at least one inwardly-facing cam-surface engageable with and sloping insubstantial conformity with at least one of the said second plurality of cam-surfaces; and actuating-means effecting the collapse and expansion of the said gripping-shoes andY including a member reciprocating lengthwise in the longitudinal passage in the said drive-shaft, the said actuating-means coincidentally shifting one of the said plurality of cam-surfaces and the said gripping-shoes in an axial direction with respect to the said driveshaft and constructed and arranged to shift the last-mentioned plurality of cam-surfaces to a greater extent than the said gripping-shoes.

5. A collapsible tension-Winder as set forth in claim 4 and in which the said actuating-means also includes at least one actuating-lever operatively interposed between the said gripping-shoes and the said reciprocating member in the said drive-shaft.

6. A collapsible tension-Winder for strip material, including in combination: a drive-shaft; a first plurality of outwardly-facing cam-surfaces carried by the said drive-shaft and sloping in a direction lengthwise thereof; a second plurality of outwardly-facing cam-surfaces also carried by the vsaid drive-shaft and sloping in a direction opposite to the slope of the said rst plurality of cam-surfaces; a plurality of gripping-shoes jointly providing a coil-receiving outer surface for the said drive-shaft and movable toward and away from the axis of rotation of the latter as well as in an axial direction with respect to both of the said pluralities of cam-surfaces and the said drive-shaft, each of the said gripping-shoes being provided with at least one inwardly-facing cani-surface engageable with and sloping in substantial conformity with at least one of the first plurality of cam-surfaces, and each of the said gripping-shoes also being provided with at least one inwardly-facing cam-surface engageable with and sloping in substantial conformity with at least one of the said second plurality of camsurfaces; and actuating-means effecting the collapse and expansion of the said gripping-shoes and including a member reciprocating lengthwise of the said drive-shaft, the said actuating-means being connected to and coincidentally shifting the said first plurality of cam-surfaces and the said gripping-shoes in an axial direction with respect to the said second plurality of cam-surfaces and constructed and arranged to shift the said first plurality of cam-surfaces to a greater extent than the said gripping-shoes.

7. A collapsible tension-Winder as set forth in claim 6 and in which the said actuating-means includes at least one actuating-lever operatively connected to both the said gripping-shoes and the said first plurality of cam-surfaces.

8. A collapsible tension-Winder as set forth in claim 6 and in which the said actuating-means includes both a cylinder and an associated piston, one of which latter comprises the said reciprocating member of the actuating-means.

9. A collapsible tension-Winder for strip material, including in combination: a drive-shaft having a plurality of normally-fixed outwardlyfacing Cam-surfaces sloping in a direction lengthwise of the said shaft; a control-member carried by the said drive-shaft and movable in an axial direction with respect thereto, the said controlmember being provided with a plurality of outwardly-facing cam-surfaces sloping in a direction opposite to the slope of the cam-surfaces of the said drive-shaft; a plurality of gripping-shoes jointly providing a coil-receiving outer surface for the-said drive-shaft and movable toward and away from the axis of rotation of the latter as well as in an axial direction with respect to both the cam-surfaces of the said drive-shaft and the cam-surfaces of the said control-member, each of the said gripping-sh-oes being provided with at least one inwardly-facing cam-surface engageable with and sloping in substantial conformity with at least one of the cam-surfaces of the said drive-shaft, and each of the said grippingshoes also being provided with at least one inwardly-facing cam-surface engageable with and sloping in substantial conformity with at least one of the cam-surfaces of the said control-member; and actuating-means coincidentally shifting the said control-member and the said grippingshoes in an axial direction with respect to the said drive-shaft and constructed and arranged to shift the control-member to a greater extent than the said gripping-shoes.

l0. A collapsible tension-Winder as set forth in claim 9 and in which the said actuating-means includes a plurality of levers each pivotally connected at one end to the said drive-shaft and each pivotally connected intermediate its respective opposite ends to one of the said gripping-shoes.

ll. A collapsible tension-Winder as set forth in claim 9 and in which the said drive-shaft is provided with a longitudinal passage and in which the said actuating-means includes an actuating-rod reciprocating in the said longitudinal passage and connected to the said controlmember, the said actuating-means also including a plurality of levers each pivotally connected at its inner end to the said control-member and at its outer end to 'the said drive-shaft, each of the said levers being further pivotally connected intermediate its respective opposite ends to one of the said gripping-shoes.

l2. A collapsible tension-Winder for strip material, including in combination: a drive-shaft having a longitudinal passage therethrough and provided with a plurality of normally-fixed outwardly-facing cam-surfaces sloping in a direction lengthwise of the said drive-shaft; an actuatingrod reciprocating in the longitudinal passage in the said drive-shaft; a control-member connected to the said actuating-rod for being moved in an axial direction thereby with respect to the said drive-shaft, the said control-member being provided with a plurality of outwardly-facing cam-surfaces sloping in a direction opposite to the slope of the cam-surfaces of the said drive-shaft, a plurality of tie-rods attachedto and projecting outwardly from the said drive-shaft through the said control-member; a retaining-head carried by the said tie-rods at a location outwardly beyond the said control-member; a plurality of gripping-shoes jointly providing a coil-receiving outer surface for the said drive-shaft and movable toward and away from the axis of rotation of the latter as well as inan axial direction with respect to both the cam-surfaces of the drive-shaft and the camsurfaces of the said control-member, each of the said gripping-shoes being provided with at least one inwardly-facing cam-surface engageable with and sloping in substantial conformity with at least one of the cam-surfaces of the said driveshaft, and each of the said gripping-shoes also being provided with at least one inwardly-facing cam-surface engageable with and sloping in substantial conformity with at least one of the camsurfaces of the said control-member; and connecting-means interconnecting the said retaining-head, control-member and gripping-shoes and constructed and arranged to coincidentally shift the said control-member and the said gripping-shoes in an axial direction with respect to the said drive-shaft with the said control-member moving to a greater extent than the said gripping-shoes.

13. A collapsible tension-Winder as set forth in claim 12 and in which the said connectingmeans includes a plurality of levers each pivotally connected at one end to the said retaining-head and each pivotally connected intermediate its respective opposite ends to one of the said grippingshoes.

14. A collapsible tension-Winder as set forth in claim 12 and in which the said connectingmeans includes a plurality of levers each pivotally connected at its cuter end to the said retaininghead and at its inner "end to the said controlrnember, each of the said levers being further pivotally connected intermediate its respective opposite ends to one of the said gripping-shoes.

l5. A collapsible tension-Winder for strip material, including in combination: a drive-shaft; a iirst plurality of normally-fixed outwardly-facingcam-surfaces carried by the said drive-shaft and sloping in a direction lengthwise thereof; a second plurality of .outwardly-facing cam-surfaces also carried by the said drive-shaft and sloping in a direction opposite to the slope ofthe said rst plurality of cam surfaces; a plurality of gripping-shoes jointly providing a coil-receiving outer surface for the said drive-shaft and movable toward and away from the axis of rotation of the latter as Well as in an axial direction With respect to both of the said pluralities/ ing the said second plurality of cam-surfaces and the said gripping-shoes in an axial direction with respect to the said rst plurality of cam-surfaces and constructed and arranged to shift the said second plurality of cam-surfaces to a greater extent than the Said gripping-shoes.

16. A collapsible tension-Winder for strip inaterial, including in combination: a drive-shaft; a plurality of control-rings mounted on the said drive-shaft with capacity for axial movementJ with respect thereto, each of the said controlrings being provided with at least two outwardlyfacing cam-surfaces respectively sloping in opposite directions; a plurality of split expansible and contractible gripping-rings also carried by the said drive-shaft and each having at least two inwardly-facing cam-surfaces respectively engaging with the oppositely-sloping cam-surfaces of two adjacent control-rings; and actuating-means operatively connected to the said control-rings Yand the said gripping-rings and constructed and arranged to rcoincidentally move thesarne in an axial direction relative to each other.

17. A collapsible tension-Windel" for strip material, including in combination: a drive-shaft; a plurality of control-rings mounted on the said drive-shaft with capacity for axial movement with respect thereto, each of the said controlrings being provided with at least two outwardlyfacing cam-surfaces respectively sloping.in opposite directions; a plurality of split expansible and contractible gripping-rings also carried by the said drive-shaft and each having at least two REFERENCES crrsn The following references are .of record in the ille of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,351,894 Allardt June 20, 1944 2,352,042 Vander Linde June20, 1944 2,394,503 Wilson Feb. 5, 1946 

